Albany Herald | Loran Smith

Party a reminder all kids aren't so lucky

Sophie had a birthday party.She invited her friends. Her friends brought their parents. That makes sense -- she and most of her friends are only 3 years old. Some grandparents were there.

A funny thing happened on the way to the poll ...

An election year creates excitement, as it always has, but colorful politicians seem to be a relic of the past.

Hutson, we have no problem?

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith decides to focus on Georgia's first football game of the season.

Great American accentuates the positive

After an appointment with banker Jimmy Talent of United Community Banks in nearby Blairsville, I took Highway 76 East to this town of Hiawassee on the river by the same name to see an ageless gentleman who just keeps rolling along. Like the Hiawassee which flows north into North Carolina and gets its name from the Cherokee Indian word "ayuhwasi," which means savannah or meadow.

Life is 'simply' great down in Hopeful

The unincorporated crossroads community of Hopeful in southwest Mitchell County -- at the junction of state highways 65 and 97 -- is where Dennis White runs a general store and restaurant, "Hopeful General Store." He eagerly takes up time with his customers and friends, conducting business the way it was done in the old days, providing the best in service and brushing it with broad strokes of generous hospitality and engaging conversation.

Todd and the 3-4: Peas and carrots

Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham knows all about the 3-4 defensive alignment.

UGA's Murray boys bring Brother Act to Athens

Longtime Georgia Bulldogs sideline reporter Loran Smith talks to quarterback Aaron Murray's older brother, Josh, who will play defense this year for UGA.

BRITISH OPEN: What a week at St. Andrews!

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith, who has spent the entire week covering the British Open in St. Andrews, Scotland, looks back on the week of golf -- and memorable images -- from the year's third major championship.

BRITISH OPEN: Bohn may have missed cut, but he's still living the dream

Herald Guest Columnist Loran Smith takes a closer look at the week of Jason Bohn, who missed the cut but plans to be back and use his first Open as a learning experience.

We wish you were here, Seve

While he won't be at this year's British Open, Seve Ballesteros's presence will definitely be felt.

Home is always just a memory away

Grass Valley, Calif., an easygoing town of 11,000 located an hour north of Sacramento in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, owes its existence to the California gold rush. It is the home of test pilot Chuck Yeager and also is where Jimmy Jordan's roots have been in place for more than 19 years

After 150 years, many memories at British Open

Longtime Georgia sideline reporter Loran Smith looks back on 150 years at the British Open in his second of seven columns he's writing from Scotland this week before the PGA Tour's third major of the year.

There's no one like Bobby

Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox's recalls memories from his long, rewarding baseball career.

Trio of Georgia golfers make most of shot at Pebble Beach

Longtime Georgia Bulldogs sideline reporter Loran Smith reflects on how the U.S. Open has played out for two current Bulldogs -- Russell Henley and Hudson Swafford -- and one former UGA All-American, Erik Compton.

Chattahoochee a valuable resource for Georgians

The movie "I'd Climb the Higest Mountain," the story of a circuit-riding Methodist preacher in north Georgia, was filmed in these parts in 1951. Little has changed since that time. Robertstown remains a small community with a modest bearing and humble people who lead simple and uneventful lives.

Hurry to Savannah to slow down

Tourists flock here year round -- you can spot them this time of the year wearing shorts and Nikes and with cell phones on the hip -- but moss-draped Savannah also has something to offer those of us who have been here more times than we can count.

Cottages always seem to be full of charm

Up the street from our house is a delightful cottage that I have been charmed by for the longest time, and it has become the focal point of my morning sojourns.

Not everyone is partying hard at UGA

An old friend called back last fall and said, "I'm sending a student by to see you. She is a finance major but likes sports and I want you to give her some advice about her career interest in sports."

UGA great Hodgson has always been a winner

Longtime UGA sidelines reporter Loran Smith looks back on the career of Georgia great Pat Hodgson following a recent conversation Hodgson and Smith had over lunch.

A mother's life lends new perspective

Her days are long, her activity restricted, but my mother has no complaints. She's 96 and requires 'round the clock assistance, but she's home, where she prefers to be.

Nunez easy town to get 'Hooked' on

Nunez, a small community of 137 in the southeast corner of Emanuel County, is most often identified as the home of Rayonier Lumber Products and Hooks Grocery.

Roddenbery's influence continues on

Andy Roddenbery distinguished himself at the University of Georgia by playing football and probably would have gone into coaching except for circumstances surrounding a fishing accident in Canada.

Learning never stops while there's a library

The great baseball player Tyrus Raymond Cobb, the Georgia Peach, was an advocate of good penmanship. Cobb wrote letters -- in beautiful, flowing script -- using green ink. You can find many of Cobb's original letters to his foundation board and officials at the University of Georgia library.

Pepaw shows golden side

It was another first in the longtime Nicklaus era at the Masters.The only six-time winner of the championship, Jack Nicklaus has reached the point of honorary starter (with Arnold Palmer) of the tournament.

UGA linebackers coach Belin a teacher of football, life

Longtime Bulldogs sideline reporter Loran Smith offers an inside look at new linebackers coach Warren Belin.

Why didn't Bowden get 1 more year?

Longtime UGA sidelines reporter Loran Smith shifts from the Bulldogs to the Seminoles this week as he examines FSU coach Bobby Bowden's contributions to college football --- and sooner-than-expected exit from Tallahassee.

Aiken an overlooked vacation treasure

Most people probably never think of coming to Aiken, S.C., for a long weekend, but those who do would be smitten by the easy living options available in this laid-back community, which has been hosting visitors since old-fashioned pantaloons were in style.

Y'all can't do much better than Paula Deen

Paula Deen lives on Wilmington Island. Her kitchen is a television studio -- what did you expect? -- and if you are invited to see her tape her weekly show, you can sample the food when the crew breaks for lunch. Barbecued ribs and chicken, roast pork, salad, vegetables, and sweet potato casserole for dessert.

UGA great Wally Williamson: Soldier, football star and the embodiment of a true Bulldog

Longtime UGA sidelines reporter Loran Smith looks back on the inspiring life of former Georgia football great Wally Williamson -- both on and off the field.

Pioneering Phyllis George knew her stuff

Don't know if you remember that summer night in August of 1971 -- the year of hot pants and water beds, the Pentagon papers, Alan Shepard stroking the first lunar golf shot --when Bert Parks sang to Phyllis George, Miss Texas, as she walked down the runway in Atlantic City.

Good bow saw gets me through winter

My bow saw is 30 years old, maybe older. Can't remember who or what influenced that first purchase years ago, but it still does the job -- although the frame is rusting and the blade has never been sharpened.

Fireplace is a comfort in frigid winter

The winter, with all its rain and cold temperatures, reminds us how it once was. We could always expect a wet winter until recent years when the drought dominated.

I believe that hard work is preventative medicine

Debate about the medical plan -- particularly since no one seems to agree on anything -- makes one more suspicious of Congress than ever. I hear some suggest it is the president's fault. More often than not, the prevailing view that it is the fault of the insurance companies that there is no consensus.

I am always eager to head to St. Simons Island

If I were invited to Buckingham Palace for dinner, I suppose that it would be something I would enjoy, although I have never been that keen on Yorkshire pudding which likely would be on the menu.

I appreciate being on Butch Houston's guest list

It was a cold day -- we've had a few of those lately -- and I was the guest of Butch Houston of Nashville, who founded a small insurance company, Life of the South, with a very simple slogan: "Your company will like our company."

Royal a gridiron treasure

Former Texas football coach Darrell Royal continues to make an impact on college football years after retiring.

I started the New Year with vegetable soup

The Georgia Center for Continuing Education, the campus jewel with which many visitors -- even those with international affiliations -- have identified the University of Georgia over the years, has abundant features that have stood the test of time.

Hudson ready for the season

Bartow County's Marvin Hudson enjoys the major leagues as an umpire as much as the managers and players.

Reflections of last year

Georgia football sideline reporter Loran Smith puts the Bulldogs' season in perspective.

Albany native will not settle for just an average job

Charlie Moore, following graduation at Georgia, could have returned to Albany, where he grew up, and lived the laid back lifestyle of his youth.Many of his friends, including his brother, Duncan, have put down roots in their hometown which Charlie considers a lifestyle that has enviable options. In fact, when time allows for a sojourn of significant duration from his suburban Manhattan home to the fields and woods of Dougherty County, he is always eager to return.

Loran Smith

Stories by Loran